The final game for the Bermuda Select Team in the CASL Tournament was approached with a great deal of anticipation and expectations as they took on Andromedia 92 Reds.
After a re-focus from the previous two games the Bermuda Select Team was reminded of their individual assignments and tasks for the third and final game of the CASL Soccer Showcase. Key focus for the game was on was on discipline, concentration and anticipation.
The Bermuda Select Team felt that the best was yet to come and approached the game with confidence. The first few minutes of the game was a reality check with the opposition initially controlling the game, pace and possession the first ten minutes. Bermuda Select Team coach Scott Morton expected a great deal from his players and he consistently reminded them of the game plan and individual’s contribution for the benefit of the team.
Andromedia dominated from set plays with a huge aerial threat from a 6ft 5 defender who was a target in all corners or free kicks. When the opposition took an early 1-0 lead the Bermuda Select Team realised they were going to be for a fight.
The Bermuda Select Team only had three long shots at the half however at the end of the first half the Bermuda Select Team had re-adjusted with the style and tempo of the game and had started looking for more of a dominating performance in the second.
With a few adjustments at the half which saw Casey Castle, Dante Leverock and Terryn Fray come on at the half the visiting collegiate coaches and Bermuda’s own Randolph Horton were soon to be in for a football fiesta of style composure and clinical finishing.
Midfield warrior Daniel Andrade worked magic in the middle which complemented Aaron Nelson and Troy Tucker’s creativity down the leftside. A well taken corner kick from the leftside allowed Fray to take glancing header which found the net.
From the commencing centre kick the Bermuda Select Team pressed and out hustled their opponents which seemed to be rattled with the newly energized the Bermuda Select Team. Two minutes later from a corner kick Andrade who was becoming an irritation to the opposition for his perseverance and resiliency was blatantly pushed over in the box. Troy Tucker who was made captain for the days match calmly stepped forward.
Unfortunately the Bermuda Select Team’s dominance of the first ten minutes was all too much for the opposition which resulted in a red card for one of their players. Discipline was becoming a concern but the Bermuda Select Team held firm and maturity beyond their years allowed them to rise above the indiscipline of the opposition.
Tucker calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner which allowed the Bermuda Select Team to take their first lead. Two minutes later a surging run from Aaron Nelson saw him fouled in the box which resulted in another penalty, as Tucker again stepped up and slotted the ball home allowing the Bermuda Select Teamto take a 3-1 lead.
College coaches were consistently approaching coaching and support staff about a variety of players, the final ten minutes allowed the Bermuda Select Team to dominate the opposition with periods of keep ball with up to 15-20 consecutive passes.
The Bermuda Select Teamwas having fun, their discipline, maturity and knowledge of delivering the game plan was concluded with the referee finally blowing the whistle which signaled the end of the game. The mood was and has always been excellent in the camp,, several players spoke to coaches after the game before a final presentation of a plaque to the CASL: Showcase organizers. The Bermuda Select Team have been true student athletes, ambassadors, role models and trailblazers for Bermuda Youth Football.
